By Amin Kef Sesay
The Sierra Leone Brewery Limited (SLBL) has on the 23rd September, 2021 signed the 2nd Phase of its contract with World Vision during a short but very impressive ceremony.
In attendance were Solomon Jamiru, Spokesman of NACOVERC, the Country Director of World Vision, Sagane Thiaw, the SLBL Corporate Affairs Manager, Albert Collier, Unisa Conteh, SLBL Corporate Affairs Assistant, staff of World Vision and a host of media practitioners.
In his statement, the SLBL Corporate Affairs Manager, Ojo Collier, on behalf of Management, welcomed all adding that it is indeed a testimony of another great opportunity to officially sign the Second Phase of the WASH Response Project contract after a successful first phase was implemented by the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, Sierra Leone Brewery Limited and World Vision Sierra Leone to support communities in Sierra Leone in the fight against COVID-19.
He intimated that SLBL & HAF continue to support the people of Sierra Leone and are very proud to continue as exemplary corporate citizen to the health of Sierra Leoneans by supporting private sector initiatives of that nature.
Albert Ojo Collier disclosed that the project was approved in 2020 by the HAF to help reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone by investing in a six-month WASH response project worth € 210,625 to complement Government’s effort to improve WASH services in the country with objectives to scale up preventive measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and to strengthen health system and workers.
“The implementation increased access to sustainable clean water and hygiene practices for poor, vulnerable communities in the project implementation communities in Freetown City,” he stated revealing how through the project they constructed three solar mechanized boreholes that are now benefiting 33,857 people in three communities in Freetown City.
He furthered that the project supported 6,550 vulnerable people in slums and hard to reach areas to access WASH kits which comprised of hand washing soap, buckets with taps, sanitizers, water collection and storage containers.
The Corporate Affairs Manger said in addition, members of those households were sensitized on the importance of hand washing to prevent COVID-19 and other common diseases such as diarrhoea by community volunteers employed by World Vision.
He also highlighted how WASH kits were distributed to 19 schools, a settlement for persons with disabilities and 6 religious’ institutions stating that additionally, World Vision supported 5 health facilities with hand washing stations and IPC materials.
“Because of this exceptional performance and collaboration with the Sierra Leone Brewery Limited / HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, World Vision has been allowed to carry out a second phase of the project with a common commitment to continue promoting lifesaving hygiene education and hand washing facilities in the urgent fight against COVID-19 in Sierra Leone,” he informed.
He added that they are signing the second phase which is valued at $ 300,000 (an equivalent of over 3 Billion Leones), targeting 111,208 people directly and 222,004 indirect beneficiaries.
According to him the 2nd Phase will also further build on the established partnerships and lessons learned from Phase 1, and continue to focus on WASH activities to fight COVID-19 (incl. communications on vaccinations where applicable).
He noted that as sponsor they are very excited to start a new project, intensify their partnership and continue to deliver positive impact for communities.
He expressed excitement to report the sterling work they have committed themselves to as industry leader and true partner for development in Sierra Leone since they started our operations over 58 years ago in this country.
“Sierra Leone Brewery Limited continues to play an important role in the social and economic growth of Sierra Leone through our corporate social responsibility agenda, with the support of the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation,” he maintained cataloguing the various development interventions they have done in communities.
He disclosed how since 2014, SLBL, together with the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation has invested an estimated amount of cash over Le 10 Billion in corporate social responsibility projects promising that they will continue to do more for worthy community projects to impact the people of Sierra Leone.
He revealed that in the next quarter, they will be announcing the approval and disbursement of funds for two new projects for Wellington and Calaba Town covering water and sanitation
“We count on the support of all Sierra Leoneans to continue to promote our brands. Buy your own local, Maltina non-alcoholic, Star Beer, Mutzig Beer, Guinness Stout, Amstel and Trenk Dark Malt Energy Drink among others ,” he appealed stating how it is the only way all can help to support their business and sustain their continued support to such projects.
“We always advocate for responsible consumption. Remember, Sierra Leone Brewery Cares for you and we strive to consistently improve the impact we make in Sierra Leone,” he concluded.
On the part of World Vision Sierra Leone Grace Kargbo, the Operations Director stated her institution spends an average of about $1.5 million yearly on WASH Programs working with dedicated WASH staff, Government and community partners.
“We welcome the much-needed support from the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation to reinforce the WASH Program in the country, and we are delighted that this second phase has become a reality” Grace Kargbo stated.
